Seven Basics of Buying an Ice Machine

Written by joseph.bayless on Mar 18th, 2014

In previous weeks, we’ve discussed the different
types of condensing units and
ice available, as well as how much ice you’ll need for your
particular business. This week we wrap things up by answering 7
questions regarding ice machines.

Brands

First of all, what brand of ice maker is best? At Prima Supply we
sell four different brands: Hoshizaki,
Manitowoc,
Scotsman,
and Ice-O-Matic.
Hoshizaki is the world’s largest manufacturer of ice equipment and is
known for making consistent, dependable products. Manitowoc has won
numerous awards for their well-made products, including
Energy Star Partner of the Year and the
Kitchen Innovation Award. Scotsman produces some of the best
flakers in the business. And, finally, Ice-O-Matic produces
cost-effective, durable ice machines that feature AgIon antimicrobial
technology, designed to eliminate unwanted bacteria for a cleaner,
better tasting ice.

Power Source

Second, do ice machines require a special power source? It depends
on how the ice machine is electrically configured. If an ice machine is
configured to a 115/60/1 setting, then it should work with a standard
three-pronged outlet. But if an ice machine configured to a 230/50/1 or
a 208~230/60/1 setting, then it will need a special plug and outlet.
Make sure you thoroughly read the spec sheet on your ice machine to
determine the electrical configuration. Also, consult an electrician to
make sure your business is prepared for the machine before it
arrives.

Environmentally Friendly

Third, are there environmentally friendly and energy efficient ice
machines? Yes, there are. Most Energy Star compliant ice machines are
going to be either air-cooled or remote-cooled. Water-cooled ice
machines are non-compliant because they consume so much energy.

Water Filter

Fourth, is a water filter really necessary? Yes, it’s possible to
run an ice machine without a water filter. Having a water filter,
though, will remove bad tastes, odors, and sediments from the water,
which results in having a cleaner, purer ice cube. If you do attach a
water filter to your ice machine, it’s important to regularly change
the filter. Water filters are not designed to last forever, and having
an old filter will actually do more harm than good. Ice-O-Matic, in
fact, has a program that if you change the water
filter every 6 months, they will cover the parts and labor on the
evaporator for 7 years.

Warranty

Fifth, what is the warranty on ice machines? Nearly all ice machine
manufacturers have the same warranty. They will usually cover parts and
labor for 3 years on the entire machine, and they will cover parts on
the compressor and evaporator for 5 years, with some manufacturers even
covering labor for those 5 years. As mentioned earlier, Ice-O-Matic has
a special program that will cover parts and labor on the evaporator for
seven years if the water filter is changed every 6 months. Ice-O-Matic,
therefore, has one of the best warranty coverage of any ice machine
manufacturer.

Life Expectancy

Sixth, how long will an ice maker last? It’s hard to say for certain
what the life expectancy of an ice machine will be. Factors such as how
much it’s used and how well it’s maintained affect how long a machine
lasts. Seldom, though, will an ice machine last longer than 10 years if
it is used everyday. A safe estimate would be roughly 4 to 5 years, or
within the warranty of the machine. But beyond the warranty there is no
guarantee. To extend the life of your ice machine, make sure you
perform routine maintenance and cleaning. It’s not uncommon for a
machine to die early as a result of poor maintenance.

Return Policy

Seventh, if I don’t like my ice machine, can I return it? At Prima
Supply, we know returns can be a difficult process, so we’ve tried to
make the return process as simple as possible. Returned items must be
in like-new (never plugged in, never used) condition and in its
original packaging. There will be a minimum 25% restocking fee along
with the cost of freight , but this restocking fee may be reduced or
waived depending on the nature of the situation. Be sure to do your
homework first before beginning a return. Our customers service reps
are always here to help you. Start by calling first and they’ll guide
you through the process.

If you’re wanting extra protection, our Try Before You Buy program
allows you to test out a product for 14 days from the time of shipment.
If the product doesn't fit your needs, you can return the product after
it has passed inspection by our customer service reps. The program is
subject to approval and to the terms of the agreement. Please see
Try Before You Buy page for
more details.

As this blog series comes to a conclusion, we hope that you’ve been
enlightened about ice machines. If you still have any questions, you
can always contact our sales team who are more than happy to help you
out in any way possible.

Let us know if you found this article helpful or not, and don't
forget to share it with your friends.

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